Transatlantic Love Affair's THE PRIVATEER to Sail Into Illusion Theater This Fall

Illusion Theater will present THE PRIVATEER, a daring new tale by the celebrated physical theatre ensemble, Transatlantic Love Affair (TLA). On stage November 3-18, The Privateer explores the strange world of the "golden age of piracy," where the lines between legal and illegal, moral and immoral could be erased on a whim.

In The Privateer, conceived and directed by founding TLA ensemble member Derek Lee Miller, a wealthy merchant seeks adventure and takes to the seas. Does he know how to sail? No. Does he command the loyalty of a seasoned crew? Not exactly. But he does buy a boat...and that's a start. All that's left to do is outrun the British navy, outfox the Spanish galleons and avoid the wrath of Blackbeard himself. How hard can piracy be?

Inspired by the story of "The Gentleman Pirate" Stede Bonnet, TLA swashbuckles its way across the ocean and follows the life of a man who sailed after his dreams and got in way over his head. Miller explained, "A captain and his crew could go from criminals to legally-endorsed agents of the Crown and back again with lightning speed. Bands of brigands and thieves became more equitable and democratic than their more respectable peers. It was the only place where the outcasts and oppressed members of society could rise and make their fortunes, and it was a place where one clueless individual could get himself into a lot of trouble despite his enormous wealth."

The Privateer features TLA core ensemble members Heather Bunch, Eric Marinus and Allison Witham. Making their debuts with TLA are China Brickey, Antonio Duke, Nora Montañez and John Stephens. The creative team includes Mandi Johnson (costumes), Mike Wangen (lighting) and fight trainer/consultant Annie Enneking. Music is composed and performed by Dustin Tessier.

Tickets for The Privateer are $25. The November 2nd Preview is $10, the Wednesday matinee is $15 and Sunday shows are "Pay-What-You-Want." Group discounts are available for 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

Since the Illusion Theater's beginning in 1974, Producing Directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have used the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change, illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times. In 41 years, Illusion has generated over 500 plays, developed thousands of artists and created ground-breaking educational works. Plays developed at Illusion have been produced in theaters throughout the world. Illusion's work has catalyzed conversations in living rooms, kitchens, coffee houses, schools and board rooms, and has led to transformations in policy, in organizations and in individuals.